South West Water is encouraging households across the South West of England to consider installing a water meter as a way to better understand water use, reduce waste and manage household bills.
As cost-of-living pressures continue and water resources face increasing strain, the company says metering can help customers take greater control of consumption while supporting wider water efficiency goals.
How water meters support household water efficiency
Water meters measure the volume of water used by a household, meaning customers are billed based on actual consumption rather than a fixed, unmeasured charge. This approach allows households to see how changes in behaviour translate directly into lower water use and reduced bills.
According to South West Water, around 95% of customers see their bills fall after switching to a metered tariff, as greater visibility encourages more efficient water use.
Leak detection and additional customer benefits
Metering can also help identify leaks more quickly. By monitoring water use when no water should be flowing, customers and the water company can detect potential hidden leaks within a property.
Customers on a metered supply may also gain access to affordability tariffs and a range of free water-saving devices, supporting further reductions in water use.
More than 83% of South West Water customers are already on a metered supply.
Lowest Bill Guarantee offers reassurance
For customers concerned that switching to a water meter could increase costs, South West Water offers a Lowest Bill Guarantee. Under this scheme, customers will not pay more than their previous unmeasured charges for the first two years after a meter is installed.
If bills increase during this period, customers have the option to revert to their previous charging method, providing time to adapt usage patterns and assess the impact of metering.
Eligibility and installation support
Water meters are available to eligible homeowners and tenants with tenancy agreements of six months or longer. Installation is free where feasible and can be carried out either inside or outside the property, depending on pipework and location.
Where a meter cannot be installed due to technical constraints, South West Water offers an assessed charge based on household occupancy.
John King, Customer Project Manager at South West Water, said water meters can help customers regain control of their water use and bills, while supporting wider efforts to reduce demand and improve long-term water sustainability.
Further information on water meters is available at South West Water’s website.
